Name: Julia DaubertHometown: Hendersonville, NC
Education: BFA in Acting from Boston University, Spring 08 Semester Grad from LAMDA
Select Credits: Unbroken (Zoe, Kid Brooklyn Productions); Katarina (Billie, AML Entertainment); Coriolanus (Volumnia, LAMDA); Uncommon Women and Others (Kate, BU)
Why theater?: I'd like to tell you that I do theater because I have something really important to say and I'm trying to make a difference... but that would be a lie. The truth is, I do theater because it makes me happy. I love the community and I love the bittersweet beauty of creating something that can only ever be done once. No moment in live theater is ever the same moment twice and no two productions of the same show can ever duplicate the other. I think there's real magic in that elusiveness. I also am, quite honestly, obsessed with relationships. Romantic relationships, friendships, familial bonds--- the people in my life are my utmost priority--- and I am fascinated with the way we all interact. The Julia my parents see is a different Julia than the one my lover sees, but neither is any less real or honest than the other. I love those subtleties in people and theater really gives space to explore those truths. I am firm believer that love really is what makes the world go round and I am passionate about exploring in that in my art.
Tell us about Wild: Put simply, Wild is a dream show for me. It is all about relationships. Wild explores what it means to love and the idea that we all love in different ways. I think what is exciting to me is that as Nikki, I get to ask the questions that I am constantly asking myself in real life. When you find love, how far should you be willing to go to hold onto it? Do you forgive betrayal and sacrifice your pride? How do we know when it is time to walk away? What kind of love is enough? Do you love someone because of, or in spite of, their flaws? Honestly, I could go on forever. It's my favorite topic.
What is it like being a part of Wild?: It's like having another family already. The support and kindness I have been shown in that rehearsal room already astounds me. I feel fortunate to not only be working with artists that I can respect, but people whom I genuinely admire. Each one of my fellow actors has such a particular style and they all are such intelligent actors-- I am just trying to absorb as much of their skill as I can. Five and a half hours a night seemed like a daunting rehearsal schedule at first, but the truth is, you can barely shut us all up at any given moment. The energy and excitement is palpable and I think just carries right over into the work. It's also such a blessing to be working so closely with such a gifted playwright. Crystal has been so hands on even though she's so far away. Her generous spirit is present not just in the words on the page but in her continued involvement and understanding. She is so supportive of our ensemble and I feel so lucky to be reading her words.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I think that goes back to what I was saying before. I am absolutely attracted to theater that speaks to relationships. Dinner With Friends by Donald Margulies, Betrayal by Harold Pinter, The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? by Edward Albee, Fool for Love by Sam Shepard...again, I could go on forever, but what these playwrights have in common is an uncanny ability to write the way people speak. I love that they don't elevate their language in order to play to a point or a theme. As an actor, I value the opportunity these playwrights give actors to play real people having emotions we are all so, oftentimes, painfully familiar with. I am inspired by the mundane day to day struggle to find love or acceptance or success because I find it so easy to relate to.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I would kill to play May in Fool for Love and am secretly desperate for a chance to try my hand at Shakespeare's Juliet. I think it'd be a little against type but I just know I have it in me. I'm also sort of obsessed with Time Stands Still by Donald Margulies right now and am just counting the years until I can play Sarah.
What’s your favorite showtune?: I have a long standing love affair going with "Buenos Aires". I used put up shows of Evita with my sister and only play Evita-- Elizabeth got stuck running around playing everyone else. Girl got a work out.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: You know, I never got a chance to work with my two of my best friends, Sally Hughes and Alejandra Escalante, in college. It's such a shame-- their grasp of language is really awe-inspiring. I think I would learn so much with an opportunity to work on something classical with them. I also feel like dreaming big here-- I just can't get over Margulies and Shepard. I would probably not be able to get a word out in front of them! However, after that initial shock wore off, I firmly believe we speak the same language and we would be matches made in heaven.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I know she is so trendy right now but I have to say, Jennifer Lawrence would definitely play me. She has the right kind of sassy bluntness about her. I am known for not watching my mouth and it gets me into trouble way too often. It would probably be called something like "High Heels and Xanax." Does that sound too much like a chick flick?
What show have you recommended to your friends?: The Rise of the Numberless with The New Colony. Such an amazing ensemble. Their energy threw me for a loop and made me jealous I wasn't up there with them.
What’s up next?: Well, since an actor can't ever have a moment to breathe, it's back to the audition grind. Wish me luck!